Electronic key and reader apparatus for a lock

Abstract

An electronic key and reader apparatus for a lock include a key ( 400 ) incorporating a display ( 402 ) on which is rendered an image representing a keycode ( 410 ), the keycode being adapted in relation to the operation of the key. A reader incorporated in the reader apparatus scans the keycode using a sensor array ( 408 ) and may interact with the key by exchanging message data ( 406 ) using communication port ( 404 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An apparatus for a lock comprising: 
       a key comprising a first data processor and a display, the first data processor generating a keycode, the keycode being adapted in relation to operation of the key, converting the keycode to an image representing the keycode, and rendering the image on the display, the display being arranged so that the image is visible on a surface of the key; and  
       a reader comprising a second data processor, a store and an optical scanner, the optical scanner scanning the image visible on the key and producing scan data, and the second data processor receiving the scan data, converting the scan data to a scanned keycode, comparing the scanned keycode with a plurality of keycodes stored in the store, and controlling a lock mechanism in accordance with a result of the comparison.  
     
     
       2. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the display is a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the key is configured as a mobile phone. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the key is configured as a wristwatch. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the optical scanner is a CCD array. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image representing the keycode comprises a pixel-based pattern. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first data processor comprises a pseudo-random number generator for generating the keycode. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus as claimed In  claim 7 , wherein the first data processor comprises an oscillator for triggering the pseudo-random number generator so as to adapt the keycode. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the key is operable to render user interface information on the display. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the key is configured as a mobile phone. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the key is configured as a wristwatch. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the reader exchanges message data with the key using a communications link. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the communications link utilizes infrared radiation and supports a serial protocol. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the first data processor renders the keycode as an image on the display in response to message data exchanged with the reader. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the optical scanner is a CCD array. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the reader is operable in response to a valid user authentication transaction. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the reader comprises a cavity for receiving a key, the cavity having an aperture through which the key is inserted into the cavity. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the reader further comprises a mechanical shutter operable in response to a valid user authentication transaction thereby allowing the insertion of the key into the cavity. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the reader is built into a personal computer and outputs a signal enabling operation of the personal computer in accordance with the result of the comparison. 
     
     
       20. A method for operating a lock wherein a key is read by a reader, the method comprising the steps: 
       generating a keycode in the key, the keycode being adapted in relation to the operation of the key;  
       converting the keycode to an image representing the keycode;  
       displaying the image on a surface of the key;  
       optically scanning, in the reader, the image on the surface of the key to produce scan data;  
       converting the scan data to a scanned keycode  
       comparing the scanned keycode with a plurality of stored keycodes; and  
       controlling a lock mechanism in accordance with the result of the comparison.  
     
     
       21. The method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein, in said generating step, the keycode is adapted from a first code to a second code in accordance with a pre-defined sequence. 
     
     
       22. The method as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the adapting of the keycode from the first code to the second code is in response to a periodic timed event. 
     
     
       23. The method as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the adapting of the keycode from the first code to the second code is in response to an exchange of data with the reader. 
     
     
       24. The method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the keycode comprises a unique code identifying the key.